The Department of Education, Culture and Employment has been monitoring the recent enhancements made to the Income Assistance programs to ensure they are meeting the needs of NWT residents. 

Starting July 1, 2025, seniors and persons with disabilities have the option to apply either to the Income Assistance program or to the Income Assistance for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities program.  This person-centered change in approach affirms individuals’ right to determine which program aligns best with their unique needs and circumstances.

The second Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) application intake period for 2025 will open from 9am MST on July 2 to 5pm MST on July 9, 2025. Eligible individuals can apply online on the Northwest Territories Nominee Program website.

The first intake for applications was open from February 27 to March 6, 2025. Following this initial intake, 21 nomination spaces are still available out of the 150 nominations for 2025.

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement today on federal immigration policy and the urgent need to restore the Northwest Territories’ nominee allocations:

“Earlier this month in Ottawa, I raised a clear and urgent concern with the federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship: the Northwest Territories needs its full nominee program allocation restored—and we need a more flexible, Northern-focused approach moving forward.

Today the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) released the What We Heard Report – Approaches to Early Learning and Child Care Space Creation as well as the Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Framework.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received follow-up lead testing results for École William McDonald Middle School and Range Lake North School. These results are part of an ongoing assessment of lead in school drinking water systems being conducted by engineering and environmental consulting firm Stantec, which began earlier this spring following initial concerns about water quality. A final report summarizing the findings and next steps is expected shortly.

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement today in response to concerns raised about the education system in the Dehcho region:

“Over the past several months, the Government of the Northwest Territories has heard serious concerns from parents, educators, community members, and education partners in the Dehcho.

Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) Minister Caitlin Cleveland met with Education Leaders one last time before the end of the 2024-2025 school year. The meeting was held in Yellowknife on June 11, 2025.

Minister Cleveland opened the meeting with a tribute to Ted Blondin, a respected Elder from the Tłįchǫ region, who passed away in April 2025. A former Chairperson of the Tłįchǫ Community Services Agency, Ted’s commitment to supporting youth and educators led to his induction into the NWT Education Hall of Fame in 2015.

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland and Minister of Health and Social Services Lesa Semmler issued the following joint statement today on recent changes to Jordan’s Principle:

“Across the Northwest Territories, children and families are being impacted by recent administrative changes to Jordan’s Principle. As territorial Ministers—and as Northerners—we are deeply concerned about the unintended consequences of these changes, and we are urging swift federal action to protect the progress that’s been made.

Today, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) released the first edition of the Early Learning Framework.

Ehts'o nàtsʼeelıı (We Sew Beads) by Tłı̨chǫ Dene Matthew Vukson is a new exhibit opening at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC). The opening reception will be on June 5, 2025, from 7:00-8:30pm.